Italy was hit by heavy snowfall, an avalanche in the north of the country killed three people – World – News

An avalanche in the northern Italian region of Piedmont claimed three lives on Sunday, reports TASR according to the APA agency.

TASR,
Pravda

12.01.2025 19:37

According to rescue services, the avalanche buried at least five people, three of whom died. Two other people were taken to the hospital by helicopter.

The avalanche broke loose on the eastern peak of Punta Valgrande, 2,850 meters high, APA said. The area is located on the border between Italy and Switzerland.

The rescue service was alerted by witnesses who observed the avalanche. The local authorities warned that there is an avalanche danger in the vicinity at a height above 2,100 meters, APA concludes.

An unusual cold wave hit the south of Italy. Among other things, intense snowfall was also recorded in the Campania region, whose capital is Naples. Tourists in the Bay of Naples were treated to a rare spectacle on Sunday – large parts of Mount Vesuvius were covered with snow after the arrival of a cold front, reports TASR according to ANSA and APA agencies.

Not only the top of this 1,280-meter-high volcano, but also its slopes were covered in snow. It rained heavily in Naples and the city was also battered by a strong cold wind, local media reported.

However, heavy snowfall was recorded in the port city of Salerno, south of Naples – not only in the mountains, but also in lower areas, writes APA.

Snow caused complications in road transport. As a result of the snow, several drivers were stuck on the roads, and local civil protection vehicles also helped to solve the situation, ANSA adds.